Benefits of Bromelain

Found in pineapples, bromelain appears to help osteoarthritis and knee pain. Some experts believe bromelain may digest the proteins in the blood that cause inflammation.

Bromelain, which is taken from the stem and juice of the pineapple, may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery and physical injuries.

The enzyme is also taken as a treatment for ulcers, pulmonary edema, clotting, cancer, and muscle pain. Some doctors have used it to remove dead and damaged tissue after a burn and to treat sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.

Some early studies suggest that bromelain may also help reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but the results are not certain.